Coconut Markets Hit Hard by Falling Prices and Low Demand Ahead of Dussehra

Market Slump

Coconut farmers and traders in Srikakulam's Uddanam region face severe losses this Dussehra as export orders dry up from states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Trader Dudishti Bishoy reports that unlike last year when buyers purchased nuts with and without husks in bulk, current orders remain extremely low. Lorry shipments from Kaviti and Kanchili mandals have dropped from around eight trucks per day to just one or two.

Falling Prices

Prices have dropped sharply from 28,000 to 30,000 rupees per thousand nuts last month down to 25,000 to 26,000 rupees currently, dampening festival hopes. Farmers across the seven mandals of Uddanam cultivate coconut across 35,000 acres, but yields have crashed dramatically. While an acre previously yielded around 500 nuts, production has now fallen to roughly 200 nuts due to cyclones and pest attacks.

Official Guidance

1 Horticulture officer Madhavilatha states that collective pest management by farmers can eliminate crop diseases, improve nut quality, and boost overall production, adding that officials are actively raising awareness among growers. Meanwhile, TeluguOne reports that coconut growers in the Konaseema region are experiencing a starkly different trend with surging prices and rising demand.

Context

Crop yields and market demand for agricultural produce often fluctuate based on seasonal weather patterns and regional pest issues. Agricultural departments regularly advise farmers to adopt coordinated pest control methods to protect their harvests and maintain steady market standards.